Genome-wide analysis of the 6B-INTERACTING PROTEIN1 gene family with functional characterization of MdSIP1-2 in Malus domestica

Trihelix transcription factors consist of five subfamilies, including GT-1, GT-2, SH4, GT gamma, and SIP1, which play important roles in the responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, however, seldom is known about the role of the SIP1 genes in apples. In this study, 12 MdSIP1 genes were first identified in apples by genome-wide analysis, and contained conserved MYB/SANT-like domains. Expression patterns analyses showed that the MdSIP1 genes had different tissue expression patterns, and different transcription levels in response to abiotic stresses, indicating that MdSIP1s may play multiple roles under various abiotic stresses. Among them, the MdSIP1-2 gene was cloned and ectopic transformed into Arabidopsis, and its biology function was identified. The subcellular localization showed that MdSIP1-2 protein was specifically localized in the nucleus, and that overexpression of MdSIP1-2 promoted the development of lateral roots, increased abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity, and improved salt and drought tolerance. These findings suggested that MdSIP1-2 plays an important role in root development, ABA synthesis, and salt and drought stress tolerance. In conclusion, these results lay a solid foundation for deter-mining the role of MdSIP1 in the growth and development and abiotic stress tolerance of apples.